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7 effective ways to find accounting clients

accountants and bookkeepers

How to find accounting clients - 7 ways

By QuickBooks Australia

Published on June 10, 2024

Are you an accounting or bookkeeping pro in need of effective ways to increase your client base? Or, do you want to replace some of your lost accounting clients or ditch old marketing techniques for new channels to build a steady pipeline of clients? Implementing proactive strategies and investing resources in technology and marketing turns prospects into clients. Whether you are building a new accounting business or growing your existing firm, finding new clients is crucial to your business’s success.

But before you learn how to find clients for your accounting or bookkeeping firm, first identify your target audience. Start by answering a few questions to find your ideal clients and jobs that suit you:

How much time do your clients spend managing their payroll and books?
Which clients are likely to return?
How profitable are your customers?
How much revenue do your clients generate?

Once you focus on a specific type of client, proceed to implement your marketing ideas to reach out to potential new ones.

Ask For Referrals and Reviews

One of the fastest ways to expand your client base is to tap into your current client list. Offer high-quality services and your customers will tell others about you. Although most of your clients refer your business to potential customers for free, establishing a referral programme for your existing clients can be a smart move.

But how do you create a referral programme that works? Start by deciding what you are willing to give clients who send referrals your way. Offer discounts, gift cards, and other benefits to motivate your clients to tell others about your business. Send newsletters and emails to your clients to tell them that you are looking for referrals. Put some testimonials on your website showing how some of your customers are satisfied. Set up a tracking system to identify referrals, so that you can reward clients who refer them.

Partner with other Professionals

One other way to get clients for your business is to partner with other businesses or professionals who are not in direct competition with you. Such businesses include, among others, insurance agents, lawyers, bankers, and tax professionals. Obviously, they have clients who are in need of your services. Let these professionals know that you are an accounting or bookkeeping professional, and verbally ask them to send some of their small business clients your way.

You may improve business alliances with other trusted professionals by sending them some of your clients. Once other businesses introduce you to their clients, you may offer cash bonuses if you are not in a position to send clients their way.

Network Effectively

Make the most of networking events to meet new prospects and expand your client list. What are the best ways to network?

Join local business groups in your city and find a way they can support your business. For mutual benefit, also offer some contribution to the groups. You may find referrals in these groups.

Another way to network is to find meet-up groups consisting of people with a common goal. For example, you may join groups of people who love exercising in the morning. Once in a while, tell them about your profession and ask them if they can get accounting and bookkeeping clients for you.

Volunteer to teach in your local neighbourhood’s educational institutions. Offer the best service for your students to refer clients your way. A university or college may also decide to give you a job. Ensure that you hone your public speaking skills before you become an instructor.

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Create a Professional Website

With the world now gone digital, it is crucial that you create a website that revolves around the accounting services you offer to find clients online.

You may hire someone to create a professional website and list all your services and their adjacent prices. You can also visit online sites to learn how to create professional websites. Alternatively, use free online templates to make a website where you can advertise your work and build your client base. Once you create a website, learn the basics of SEO and paid Google advertising.

Market Yourself on Social Media

Do you use social media sites to interact with your existing customers? You may also use these sites to advertise your business and get more clients. Developing brand-name recognition online in a cost-effective way to market your accounting practice. Some tips for effectively promoting your accounting business on social channels include:

Choose the right platforms

Sharing your skills on the right platforms is crucial to your success. Consider which sites your customers use the most, so they can easily connect with you.

Respond to customers quickly

Address questions and problems from both your clients and prospective customers quickly. Be sure to engage with the customers and apologise if you take too long to respond.

Be visual

Do you want your products and services to show off and boost engagement on social channels? Add photos and videos to your content, and post pictures of happy clients on sites like Instagram and Pinterest.

Create a calendar

Avoid rushing to create last-minute posts. To get consistent results with less time and effort, create a schedule, automate some activities, and assign some tasks to your employees or contractors.

Create a profile on the QucickBooks Find-a-ProAdvisor directory

The QuickBooks Find-a-ProAdvisor directory is used by tens of thousands of small businesses looking for a new accountant or bookkeeper. QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisors get a free listing to promote their practice in the directory.

Techniques to Find New Accounting Clients at a Glance

You may want to start with two or three of these strategies to land new clients. Be sure to consult with experienced accounting professionals to learn about ways they win over new clients. You may also want to employ some old yet effective marketing techniques, such as cold calling, to reach out to a wider market. Now that you know which tools and resources work best for your accounting business, make a plan and set deadlines to implement these ideas. Remember to teach and encourage your staff to use these tips to find prospects.

Whatever growth means to you, we’re here to support you in achieving your goals. Our guides can help you find more clients, add new revenue sources, and build a future-fit business.

Are you an accountant or bookeeper in search of a solution to organise your invoices and payments, and automate workflows and payroll? Collaborate with clients, stay on track and grow your firm with QuickBooks Online Accountant. Sign up for free.

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How to find accounting clients - 7 ways

Ask For Referrals and Reviews

Partner with other Professionals

Network Effectively

Create a Professional Website

Market Yourself on Social Media

Create a profile on the QucickBooks Find-a-ProAdvisor directory

Techniques to Find New Accounting Clients at a Glance

Related Articles

Looking for something else?

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